Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1887-01-15

Keeling under the first shock, the poor girl
recovered herself with admirable courage.
She raised her head and eyed the lawyer
without uttering word. In is artless con-
seriousness OF innocence the look was nothing
less than sublime. Addressing herself to Mr.
Troy, Lady Lydiard pointed to Isabel "Do
you see guilt theref' she asked
Mr.. Troy made no answer. In the melan-
choly experience of humanity to which his
profession condemned him, he had seen
conscious guilt assume the face OF innocence,
and helpless innocence admit the disguise Of
guilt; the keenest observation in either case
failing completely TO detect the truth. Lady
Lydiard misinterpreted his silence as express
ing the sullen self-assertion of heartless
man. She turned from him in contempt,
and held out her hand to Isabel.
"Mr. Troy is not satisfied yet" she said,
bitterly my love, take my hand, and look
me In the face as your equal; know no diff
ference Of rank at such time as this. Be
fore God, who hears you, are you innocent
Of the theft of the bank noteP'
Before God, who hears me,n Isabel an
swered, II am innocent
Lady Lydiard looked once more at the
lawyer, and waited to hear if he believed
that.
Mr.. Troy took refuge in dumb diplomacy
he made low bow. Il might have meant
that he believed Isabel, or it might have
meant that lie modestly withdrew his own
opinion into the background. Lady Lydiard
did not condescend to inquire what it meant.
"The sooner we bring this painful scene to
an end the BETTER she said. ~ shall be
glad TO avail myself Of your professional as
Mr.. until -,
Outside of my house beg that you win
spare no trouble in tracing the lost money to
the person who has really stolen It, Inside
of my house must positively request that
the disappearance Of the note may never be
alluded to, In any way whatever, until your
inquiries have been successful in discovering
the thief. In the meanwhile Mrs. Tollmidge
and her family must not be sufferers by my
loss; shall pay the money again" She
paused anil pressed Isabel's hand with affec-
tionete fevor my child" she said, lone
last word to you, and have done. You re-
main here, with my trust in you and my love
for you absolutely mistaken. You are
dearer to me than ever. Never forget that"
Isabel bent her head and kissed the kin
hand that still held hers. The high spirit that
was in her, inspired by Lady Lyliard's ex-
ample rose equal to the dreadful situation in
which she was placed.
''No, my lady" she said, calmly and sadly,
sit cannot be. What this gentleman has
said Of me is not to be denied-the appear
ances are against me- The letter was open,
and l was alone in the room with 1t, and Mr.
Moody told me that valuable Enclosure was
inside it. Dear and kind mistress, I am not
fit to he member of your household, I am
not worthy to live with the honest people
who serve you, while my innocence b in
doubt. 1t is enough for me now that you
don't doubt it can wait patiently, after
that for the day that gives me back my good
name. Oh, my good lady, don't cry about
It'll Pray, pray, don't cryl"
Lady Lydiard's self control failed her for
the FIRST time Isabel's courage had made
Isabel dearer to her than ever. She sank
into chair and covered her face with her
handkerchief. Mr.. Troy turned aside alb
rubtly, and examined Japanese vase, with
out any idea in his mind of what he was look
ing at Lady Lydiard had gravely mis-.
judged him in believing him to be heart
less man.
Isabel followed the lawyer, and touched
him gently on the arm to rouse his attention.
II have one relation living, sir-an aunt
who will receive me II / go to her." she said,
simply. us there any harm in my goingl
Lady Lydiard will give you the address
when you want me. Spare her ladyship,
sir, all the pain and trouble that you can"
At last -he heart that was in Mr.. Troy as
serted itseh. you are fine creaturel' he
said, with burst of enthusiasm II agree
with Lady Lydiard; believe you are limo
cent, too; and will leave no effort untried
to find the proof Of it." He turned aside again
and had another look at the Japanese vase.
As the lawyer withdrew himself from OBJ
servation, Moody approached Isabel.
Thus far he had stood apart, watching hel
and listening to her in silence. Not a lool
that had crossed her face, not a word thai
had fallen from her, had escaped him. I'm
consciously on her side, unconsciously on hi
side, she now wrought ON his nature with
purifying and ennobling influence which
animated it with new life. All that haC
been selfish and violent in his passion for hei
left him to return no more. The immeasur
able devotion which he laid at her feet in tn
days that were yet to coms-the unyieldin,
courage which cheerfully accepted the sacri
fee Of himself when events demanded it at
later period Of his life-struck root in hin
now. Without attempting to conceal tn
tears that were falling fest over his cheeks
striving vainly to express those new thought
in him that were beyond the reach Of words
he stood before her the truest friend and ser
want that ever woman had. "Oh, my dear
my heart is heavy for you. Take me t
serve you and help you Her ladyship'
kindness will permit it, am sure"
He could say no more. In those simpl
words the cry Of his heart reached her. "For
give me, Robert, she answered, gratefully
''if said anything to pain you when W
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